A primary school in Bolton is among the top 200 in the country when it comes to pupils mastering their timetables.

Lostock Primary School  received a letter of congratulations from the Minister for Schools for its outstanding results.

The school averaged a score of 24.4 out of 25, placing it within the top 200 schools for its results.

The letter, signed by Damian Hinds, stated: “Your average pupil score of 24.4 out of 25 makes Lostock Primary School one of the top 200 performing schools in England for the multiplication tables check.

“The excellent achievement of your pupils is something the government hopes to see replicated in schools across the country.”

Nationally, 29 per cent of children scored full marks in their multiplication tables check in 2023, up from 27 per cent in 2022.

The Bolton News: Lostock Primary School

The letter went on to state: “Knowing times tables is vital for school and day-to-day life.

“Recalling multiplication and division facts up to 12x12 is important for progression in maths.

“That is why we introduced these checks, as a helpful tool for teachers to identify those pupils who need extra support.

“I would like both to congratulate your staff and pupils for their hard work and to thank you for your leadership in continuing to promote the important subject of mathematics.”

The success in 2023’s scores, says the government, follows on from a culmination of reforms introduced since 2010 to drive up standards, including changes to the mathematics curriculum, reflecting international best practice from countries such as Singapore and China.

Vicki Guest, Headteacher at Lostock Primary School said: “We were delighted to receive a letter from Damian Hinds, Minister for Schools, congratulating staff and pupils for our success in the Year 4 Summer 2023 multiplication check.

“We averaged a score of 24.4 out of 25, making Lostock Primary School one of the top 200 performing schools in England.

“This puts Lostock Primary school in the top one percent in the country and I am so proud of the efforts of all the children and staff involved. What an outstanding achievement.”

Hannah Barnes-Gray, deputy headteacher and maths curriculum lead also praised the school.

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She said: “Our mathematics curriculum intent at Lostock Primary School is that children are taught to become competent and independent mathematicians.

“We ensure multiplication tables that children learn are easily retrieved and embedded in the long term memory.

“I am thrilled with the impact our curriculum is having on our children.”